In last month’s news round-up, we covered a selection of stories from the world of 3D printing, including: customisable castles for children, a medical marijuana dispensation device and 3D printed architecture in Dubai. Over the past month, there has been no shortage of new stories pertaining to 3D printing - here are some of the most exciting ones.

Eat your own face!

3D printed food is not a new innovation - this technology has been used to create pizza for astronauts in the past, as well as some other, less pleasant things. This new innovation, thanks to the Magic Candy Factory, allows customers at amusement parks to print photographs of themselves using edible candy.

Simply enter a photo booth at the site or send in a headshot via email, and watch the onsite 3D printing machine go to work. It only takes 5 minutes to create a delicious replica of your face, which you can snack on. The sweets are vegan and free of allergen, which is great if you’re health conscious but have a sweet tooth.

For those who submit their photograph digitally, Magic Candy Factory will send you a time lapse video of the machine printing your face with the delivery. What a delightful personal touch!

Ferrari F1 team utilises 3D printing

In the automotives industry, most people treat 3D printing as a novelty. However, Ferrari’s F1 race team think otherwise. In the upcoming F1 season, cars will have to withstand increased temperatures and higher pressures following the use of the new turbulent jet engine technology.

Ferrari are looking to 3D printing to help alleviate these stresses by printing a stronger piston made of titanium alloy. Previously, aluminium was used for this purpose but the material is more prone to damage under high temperatures and stress.

3D printing is an excellent technology for constructing these pistons in the precise geometrical shapes required, increasing the strength of the item while also reducing its weight. Let’s see if Ferrari has a successful season in F1 this year.

3D printed parts in space

Several years ago, you might have heard the stories of plans to 3D print an entire space station on the moon. While not quite as extravagant, Boeing’s plans to use more than 600 3D printed parts on its new space taxis service is set to become a reality.

Boeing currently has a 4.2 billion dollar contract with NASA to build 3 Starliner taxis in order to make space travel more accessible - beyond just government led missions. Boeing has been using 3D printing technology since 2003 and is currently using 50,000 parts made with additive manufacturing.

On the Starliner taxis, 3D printed parts will be integral for the air revitalization system, interior closeouts and support structures. Compared to traditional manufacturing methodologies, using OPM’s 3D printed parts will result in a cost reduction of approximately 60%.

3D printed PEKK parts can resist fire, radiation and will stay intact in temperatures from minus 300 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit - ideal for the pressures of space travel. The first test flights are scheduled for 2018, so stay tuned!